Description of Research:
I am investigating possible mechanisms that allow nonnative rainbow trout and cutthroat-rainbow hybrid
trout to displace native cutthroat trout. My work combines a large-scale field survey of the distribution
of rainbow trout and hybrid trout within a Yellowstone cutthroat trout population and several experimental
approaches to test for competitive differences between cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and their hybrids.
Goals of the survey include identifying streams with pure native cutthroat trout and testing for
relationships between environmental conditions and the spread of rainbow trout alleles. My experiments
focus is on testing for swimming, foraging, and growth differences between cutthroat trout, rainbow
trout, and first generation hybrids. My results should provide information important to the conservation
of remaining cutthroat trout populations and to the broader field of invasive species ecology by identifying
some specific pathways that provide competitive advantages to rainbow trout over native cutthroat trout.

One example of how you integrate your research into your GK-12 experience:
Over the summer prior to joining the GK12 program, I worked with my teacher on surveying native and nonnative
fish in local streams. We incorporated this work into several lesson plans to illustrate how nonnative species
and pollution may impact food webs in local watersheds. Based on this survey, we also planned field trip
locations for an Environmental Science Academy to sample fish, macroinvertebrate, and water quality in
impacted and pristine stream environments. We also established several water quality monitoring stations
that we collected samples from for in class experience conducting water quality surveys. Finally, throughout
Physical Science and Biology courses, I continuously use pieces of my field survey and experimental research
to demonstrate the scientific process and to inspire students to pursue careers in ecology.